Questions and answers

Parliamentary questions can be asked by any MSP to the Scottish Government or the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. The questions provide a means for MSPs to get factual and statistical information.

Written questions must be answered within 10 working days (20 working days during recess)

Other questions such as Topical, Portfolio, General and First Minister's Question Times are taken in the Chamber

Urgent Questions aren't included in the Question and Answers search. There is a SPICe fact sheet listing Urgent and emergency questions.

Question reference: S5W-33428

Asked by: Neil Bibby, MSP for West Scotland, Scottish Labour
Date lodged: Friday, 20 November 2020
Current Status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 2 December 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what the estimated lifespan of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway will be following the repairs to the system.

Question reference: S5W-31962

Asked by: Edward Mountain, MSP for Highlands and Islands, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
Date lodged: Tuesday, 22 September 2020
Current Status: Answered by Jeane Freeman on 2 October 2020

To ask the Scottish Government when it will consider the expressions of interest it has received in developing a new medical school, and when a final decision will be made on its preferred location.

The answer to the former part of Mr Mountain’s question remains unchanged since it was last answered on 31 July. All Programme for Government commitments announced in 2019 (including the one to develop proposals for a new medical school in Scotland) have been suspended while we continue to focus on our response to Covid-19. A revised timetable for taking forward this commitment has not yet been confirmed.

A decision will be made on the location of any new medical school when we are able to revisit and reconsider the 7 proposals that have been received.

Question reference: S5W-30664

Asked by: Alison Johnstone, MSP for Lothian, Scottish Green Party
Date lodged: Monday, 13 July 2020
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 10 August 2020

To ask the Scottish Government what measures it will put in place to prevent further mass culling of mountain hares when the mountain hare closed season ends on 1 August 2020.

The Scottish Government has always been clear that any large-scale culling that threatens the conservation status of mountain hares is not acceptable.

However, as I stated during the stage 3 debate in Parliament there are a number of issues that must be fully considered ahead of the introduction of a licensing regime. I am now giving careful thought as to how that regime will work and when the protection will come into force and I will be discussing that in detail with stakeholders over the coming months.

We will be following the situation carefully for any indication of attempts to carry out excessive culls and will take steps to address this if necessary.

Question reference: S5W-30899

Asked by: Christine Grahame, MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale, Scottish National Party
Date lodged: Thursday, 23 July 2020
Current Status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 10 August 2020

To ask the Scottish Government, in light of mountain hare culling restarting on 1 August 2020, when the licensing scheme in compliance with the Animal and Wildlife (Penalties, Protections and Powers) (Scotland) Act 2020 will be enforceable.

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